ACADEMIA

The Webby Awards, the leading international honor for web sites, this week nominated the National Science Foundation's Web site as a finalist in the government category for 2006. As an independent federal agency, NSF receives public support through Congressional appropriations. NSF's redesigned site was launched in 2005 to better serve both the general public and the science and education community, with a greater emphasis on visual richness and user-friendliness. Hailed as the "online Oscars" by Time Magazine, The Webby Awards were founded in 1996 and are determined by the International Academy of Digital Arts & Sciences. The award honors outstanding web sites that are setting the standards for the internet, according to awards founder Tiffany Shlain. NSF's redesign culminated more than a year of study and analysis regarding the most current and effective ways to communicate in today's fast-paced electronic information environment. A new content management system ensures timeliness and reliability of information site-wide. Revamped navigation makes it easier for visitors to find what they need. New content aims to more effectively explain NSF's use of public funds, and the results derived from it. Some of the new features include a help center, a plain-language explanation of NSF and how it works, illustrated overviews on the types of science that NSF supports, results of NSF research, and a classroom resources section aimed at teachers and parents. As a nominee for a Webby Award, NSF's Web site is also eligible to win a People's Voice Award. Voting is open to the public from April 11 to May 5 at its Web site. The Tenth Annual Webby Awards received a record number of entries from over 40 countries and all 50 states. The five nominees in each category were named April 11. Winners of The Webby Award and the People's Voice Award will be announced on May 9, 2006, and honored June 12 at The Tenth Annual Webby Awards ceremony in New York City.